Business Casual…. But Make It Fashion

I’ve been getting a lot of requests for recommendations on how dress professionally, while reminding both modest and fashionable. I also started my first post-grad job – alhamdulilah – so I’ve created a collection of looks that I’ve worn the past few weeks.

This first look was created for my first day of work, and is the most business professional of this collection. I started with some wide leg black dress pants, and paired it with a black blazer, and black pointed toe pumps. Finally, I added a striped shirt with floral detailing and a green headscarf. I accessorized with a thin gold chain, a gold and silver watch, a short stack of bracelets, and several rings. I wore post earrings to keep it professional.

The basic guidelines for business professional are navy blue or black slacks (or skirt), with matching blazer, a collared shirt, and closed toe pumps or flats in black or nude – no higher than 4 inches. When it comes to jewelry and makeup – less is more. You want your colleagues to focus on your work, not how you look.

This next look was created after I found out the dress code at my office is super flexible, so I wore a denim shirt (for a more professional office, just add any regular collared blouse) I built this look around my pointed-toe flats with pearled heel detailing, so I added my black straight leg pinstriped pants and matched it with a black hijab. I finished this look with a cream colored saddle bag, and a black and white beaded African-style necklace.

This look was one of my favorites. I built it around my khaki suit. I added a white blouse with grey tube top detailing, and paired it with my grey plaid flats. If you swap out the blouse with a white or grey collared shirt, this look would be perfectly business casual. I finished this look with an off white headscarf, gold chains, small wooden drop earrings, and a pair of square rimless, eyeglasses.

This look is classic business casual. I wanted to go with a monochromatic look so I matched a nude pink blouse, with cigarette pants, and pointed-toe pumps of the same color. I added a dark pink pashminas headscarf to match but also to serve as a statement piece. Since it gets cold in my office building, I added a pink sweater.

This is my other favorite look. I love mixing patterns, so I paired my grey plaid blazer with black pinstriped pants. I added a rock ‘n roll tee shirt-style body suit and added a pair of red pointed-toe pumps to highlight the red in my top. I finished this look with a black headscarf, square reading glasses, and small gold hoops (to keep it professional).

I really love matching exact colors, so I built this look around my nude pink blazer and nude pink pumps. I added a pleated navy skirt and a simple black top. To match my skirt, I added a blue paisley hijab. I accessorized with wooden Nefertiti earrings, a skinny brown belt, a brown watch, and a gold and blue charm bracelet.

This final look is textbook business casual. I built it around my baby blue striped blouse with tie waist detail. I added a pair of wide legged pants with triple button details on the pockets,. I finished this look with black flats and a black hijab.

You just blue me

I always say I don’t have a favorite color because I love them all, but if you ask my wardrobe it’s low key obviously blue. So in honor of the color of my birthstone (sapphire), the color blue, here’s a quick lil collection of looks.

This first look is a simple one I created for a lunch date with my mommy. Although the major color is blue, this look was actually built around my bejeweled red and silver sandals, to match them I added red lipstick. Next, I paired my oversized blue and white striped button down, with a pair of ripped jeans. I accessorized with a block choker, large diamondite hoop earrings, oversized mirror shades, and a black headscarf.

This is another simple look, built around my alumni sweats. I added a black body suit, just so the top would be neutral. Then added my oversized denim jacket with distressed detailing for some personality. I added my embroidered slides and large sporty blue shades to match my sweats. For a pop of color, keeping with my school colors, I added a red head scarf. I finished this look with large hoop earrings, gold chains, and a cream-colored saddle bag.

I created this look for a day of dartying. I wanted the look to be elegant and channel the spring time, so I built it around this royal blue maxi dress. I added a cropped denim jacket, and a paisley printed blue head wrap to match. I paired my black studded heeled sandals with my embroidered black leather clutch, and a black lace choker. I accessorized with an oversized gold necklace and large gold hexagon earrings.

This final look was created for a day of class. I hardly ever wear this printed turtle neck poncho, so I decided to pull it out the closet and I matched it with ripped jeans. I added a pair of black ankle boots with thick oatmeal socks to keep it neutral and not draw attention away from the poncho, and I matched the boots to my black hijab. I accessorized with large round gold-rimmed spectacles, a bejeweled septum ring, and a gold drop necklace. Finally, I added my mustard yellow alligator bag for a pop of color.

Sorry for the Weight

I have been on a much too long hiatus, but I did not forget about you modest fashionistas. I was just busy tryna graduate college. In celebration of this monumental achievement below are my graduation looks. Howard University has a two day commencement celebration, so I was able to serve two looks. I also has a small graduation photo shoot, and I’ll show ya’ll those looks too. I hope you enjoy!

This first look was created for the graduate recognition ceremony. Since I’m a business major I wanted to wear a suit, but I wanted the look to have an old school mob boss vibe. I started with a pair of black pinstriped pants, and paired it with a black and white pinstriped dress, which I repurposed to be worn as a blazer. My school colors are red and blue, so I wanted elements of my look to be an homage to my alma mater, which is why I paired red pointed toe pumps with a red headscarf and red lipstick. I also got blue and red eye makeup. I accessorized this look with a pair of large diamondite hoop earrings and a matching diamondite drop choker.

This second look was create for the commencement ceremony. I really wanted it to be pink, so I started with 6 inch heeled lace-up sandals with a clear Pyrex toe strap, and paired with with pink metallic cigarette pants. Next, I added a white scoop cowl-neck bodysuit – for added modesty, I layered a nude pink crop top under it. I wanted this look to have a high glam vibe so I added an oversized pearl necklace, and gold bobby-pins to my scarf with pearl details. I finalized with look with a brown headscarf, a brown watch, gold rings, and large hexagon gold earrings. Since Chadwick Bozeman, the Black Panther and fellow Howard University alum, was the commencement speaker, I wanted to channel Wakanda – but make it fashion – so I added two dots of white face paint over each eyebrow.

These last two looks are from my graduation photo shoot.

My inspiration for this first look was my Howard kente cloth stole, so I started this look with an ankle length khaki green pencil skirt. I added a black high-low blouse, with dramatic ruffle detailing on the sleeves, and paired that with black studded heels with a thick clear Pyrex toe strap. Keeping with the Afrocentric vibe of the kente cloth, I added wooden Queen Nefertiti earrings. I finished this look with a black headscarf with gold detailing, a skinny gold double-drop chain, and a gold choker.

This final look was built around my Howard x Champion windbreaker, so I wanted an elevated sporty vibe. I added a paid of dark wash high-waisted jeans, and a pair of khaki green thigh-high boots. I accessorized with a black headscarf with gold detailing, a pair of large gold hoops, and a stack of gold chains. Finally, I added my white drawstring fringe backpack as a nod to my last year of carrying textbooks around, and to bring out the white detailing in my windbreaker.

I can’t make a graduation look book without shouting out my fabulous makeup artist, cause she really crazy!! Find her on Instagram @beatbybai

Since I put a lot of thought into my Howard inspired nail set, y’all gon see that too!

Thank y’all so much for waiting patiently for my return to blogging! Like, comment, subscribe and share! Please + thank you, peace and blessings to you all 🙂

Comfy. Cozy. Cute.

It’s been dumb cold lately, and maybe I have a touch of senioritis that is making me tired of wearing heels to class so I’ve been dressing more comfortably lately. However, increased comfort doesn’t mean compromising on style. Below is a collection of looks that are equal parts fashion and function.

This first look was hurriedly built one morning for class. I knew it would be cold out so I wanted to make sure i was all bundled up. I built this look around my thick brown sweater, which I matched with distressed camo pants and a green coat with a shearling lining. I finished this look with a black and white snood scarf and my black fluffy boots. I accessorized with a green hijab and a gold and green drop necklace.

This second look was created for a lil kickback I was going to. I really wanted to wear my furry pink fannypack so I built this look around it. I paired my distressed skinny jeans with a black floral printed shirt to match the fannypack. Then I finished this look with a long chestnut cardigan and all white g fazos. I accessorized with a red turban, wooden drop earrings, and my cartoon sushi phone case. (Sorry about the dirty mirror in the first pic)!

This final look was created for a day of classes. I really wanted to wear my translucent bubble coat so I started with that. I paired a light wash denim top with dark wash denim skinny jeans just to create a neutral palette for the look. I added a purple hijab and blue sunglasses to highlight the two colors in my coat. I finished this look with my gold Air Maxes, a gold oversized bag, gold hoop earrings, and a skinny brown belt.

Icing on the Cake

Coco Chanel said that you should always take off one accessory before you leave the house – I couldn’t disagree more! But Chanel was right about emphasizing the importance of accessories. The right accessories can seriously elevate a look, and adding or subtracting different pieces can change the vibe of the look. Below is a collection of looks whose versatility and magic are in the accessories (and a few makeup focused bonuses).

I created this first look for the REAL HU versus Hampton Institute basketball game. I wanted to wear my school colors, so I started this look by layering a red cropped Howard crewneck over an oversized denim shirt, then I added black latex flare pants, and transparent black peep toe booties. I finished this look with a black headscarf, large gold hoop earrings, and a red and gold bindi. Since it was cold outside, I added my black pea coat and red and black plaid blanket scarf.

This look was created just to go to class. I wanted to wear my oversized blue shades so I paired them with a blue and white striped blouse, and dark wash denim skinny jeans. I added a pair of black ankle booties and a black hijab. I accessories with a gold drop necklace and small post earrings. For the weather I added a pair of fur earmuffs, my black pea coat, and a dark green blanket scarf.

This final look was inspired by the color red, and my jeweled black sunglasses. I started with a red crinkle hijab and burgundy lace-up ankle boots. I paired a black blouse with ruffle sleeves and a high low-hem, with a pair of distressed denim skinny jeans, and added a black pea coat. I accessorized with a black and white beaded tribal necklace, and small post earrings.

HU Hijabfest 2018

This past weekend I had the pleasure of serving as the fashion show coordinator and the public relations manager for HU Hijabfest. Below is a collection of the looks I wore that weekend.

I created this first look for the welcome reception. I built this look around a pair of black flare leg latex pants. I paired these pants with black studded strappy heels, and a simple black hijab. Then I added an oversized blue and white striped blouse. I finished this look with a gold choker, a gold jeweled septum ring, and big gold hoop earrings.

This next look was built for the daytime portion of HU Hijabfest. My purple and blue bubble coat was the statement piece and base of this look. I added a simple black bodysuit and lightwash jeans. I added black heels with a clear toe strap, a black hijab, and oversized blue glasses to bring out the blue in the coat. I also piled on gold rings, and added purple lipstick.

This final look was created for the fashion show and reception. I started with my rose gold floor-length sequined mermaid skirt. I added a bell sleeved pink blouse and a pink maxi hijab. I accessorized with a rose gold handbag and black heels.

This weekend I also had the pleasure of modeling for Ayana Ife. I didn’t style this look but I LOVED it. Check out her insta @AyanaIfe

Sweatshirt Stylez

I very rarely wear hoodies or crewnecks, but when I do I like to swag them out the the max. Below are a couple examples.

The sweatshirt featured in this look is a cozy grey one, with Tupac on it. The design is hand drawn, and was gifted to me from my old boss. This shirt is from HeroHeads, which is a small tee shirt company that features inspirational and historical figures, and 10% of each sale goes to a charity associated with the figure in the shirt. Check em out!

I paired this hoodie with a distressed jeans, gold AirMaxes, and a blue printed turban. I accessorized with large gold hoop earrings and a gold bindi. I added a purple lip for a pop of color.

I built this look around my only Howard University crewneck (smh i need more!). I cut it into a crop top freshman year, so I layered it over a white thigh-length top. I added a pair of light wash jeans and triple bow chestnut Uggs. I matched my brown headscarf with my Uggs, and added my furry phone case to add a luxurious vine to this simple look. Finally, I accessorized with small wooden drop earrings, a large gold ring, a choker with a star charm, and a simple jeweled necklace. I laid my edges tf down that day, so I’m also classifying them as an accessory.

This Week of Style

A collection of looks from the past week..

I created this look for a job at a pop-up shop. The attire was all black, but I added my dark green blanket scarf to keep warm. I built this look by pairing some black skinny jeans, with a black high-low blouse, with ruffle sleeves. I finished this look with some black furry boots, and a black on black floral printed velvet scarf. I accessorized with an off white leather saddle bag, large rope style gold hoop earrings, and a large gold ring.

My pink furry handbag was the main inspiration for this look, so I paired with with pink fringe booties. I added a pair of light-wash jeans, and a thick brown sweater. Finally, I added a denim corset as an accent piece, and a camel colored peacoat and brown turban to match my sweater. I accessorized with a small jeweled silver necklace, and a pair of brown drop earrings.

This final look was created to take a few final exams, and run some errands so comfort was most important. I built this look from the feet up, starting with my gold Air Maxes. I paired some black skinny jeans, with a plain black t-shirt to create a blank canvas. I added my oversized denim jacket, and a stone grey hijab. Finally, I matched my baby blue baseball cap, with my blue and black plaid blanket scarf. I added my gold framed glasses to add a lil nerdy, test taking vibe.

Green Machine

Not unlike the Naked smoothie, called green machine, wearing the color green is good for you. I’m no scientist, but I do know that green is a beautiful color representing life, peace, and harmony. This color is also quite easy and enjoyable to style, so below is a collection of look featuring the color green.

This first look was created for Thanksgiving dinner at my aunt’s house, so I wanted to be cute, while still comfortable. I built this look around my high-low pinstriped blue and white blouse, paired it with light-wash skinny jeans, and added a pair of black ankle booties with a sparkle heel. I finished this look with a bright green scarf, and my army green SuperDry puffercoat. I accessorized with a black leather handbag, large gold hoop earrings, thin gold chains, and a small gold bindi.

I created this look during the summer for my teaching job. This was a quickly made look, because that 7am start time was a true challenge for me. I built this look by pairing black skinny jeans with my black tee shirt with the bedazzled bust of an African queen. I added a camel colored hooded jacket, and a leather cream saddle bag. I finished this look with a deep green scarf to match the detailing on the tee shirt. I finished this look with a pair of white Fenty bow slides.

I created this look this morning to go to class. I built this look around the combination of my calf length army green skirt and my brown suede thigh-high boots. I added a black graphic tee and my distressed denim jacket for an urban chic look. I finished this look with a brown hijab and a pair of brown and green dangle earrings to match my bottom half.

This final look was created for my 22nd birthday. I started with my green silk pants with Chinese landscape detailing, and added my white bell-sleeved bodysuit, and lace-up nude heeled sandals with floral detailing on the block heel. I finished this look with a green hijab, with tassel detailing to match my pants, and large gold hoop earrings.

(Makeup bonus!!)

Cover-Up Wishlist

The right jacket or vest can make any look instantly more modest, while elevating the look, and adding uniqueness. Below is a list of great coverups.

 

This floor length velvet embroidered duster from Akira is so beautiful. This piece can be worn as a jacket, with the waist tie left open, or as a dress, when tied shut. This duster can be added to a simple dress, or jeans and a top, to elevate the look.

(https://www.shopakira.com/catalog/product/view/id/78710/category/88/)

 

This bright yellow, thigh-length puffer coat from Pretty Little Thing is an awesome statement piece. It can be layered over practically any outfit to add an urban, streetwear feel. It’s also super warm, so it will keep you cozy when the temperature is low,

(https://www.prettylittlething.us/yellow-ring-pull-longline-puffer-jacket.html)

 

This thigh-length wool houndstooth coat from H&M will add an air of sophistication and timeless style to any look. This coat has a stand up collar and no buttons, which makes it look even more clean and chic.

(http://www.hm.com/us/product/74118?article=74118-A)

 

This cream thigh-length furry vest from MissGuided is a great addition to many looks. It adds a feeling of luxury, and will keep you cozy. Style this vest with a long sleeved top or dress. For even more glamour, add a large statement necklace or a classy pair of heels.

(https://www.missguidedus.com/curly-faux-fur-gilet-6)